Famed 2010 platformer Super Meat Boy has been revered by critics and gamers alike for its design, controls, and tough but fair level of difficulty. However, its presentation is likely to turn off some consumers, with the player controlling a sentient cube of red meat that leaves blood streaks on every surface he touches. How are the poor plant-based game enthusiasts supposed to enjoy it? If you happen to fall under this category, today is your lucky day, as these five vegan alternatives will ensure you’re not missing out on any of the stellar side-scrolling action.
1. Celeste (2018)
This cruelty-free exemplar of the genre has the player controlling the character Madeline as she attempts to climb Celeste Mountain despite the efforts of a recurring enemy acting as the personification of her mental illness, with universally-lauded level design and an absolutely brilliant soundtrack that thoughtfully acts as a perfect complement to the plot. Such a poignant work of art can be appreciated by those of any dietary background, so pick it up if you want to experience the challenge of Super Meat Boy without the remorse!
2. The End Is Nigh (2017)
In this game, you control Ash, a small blob who we’re going to assume is not made of meat for the sake of this article. While not quite the spellbinding masterpiece of the aforementioned Celeste, The End Is Nigh provides very fun and challenging action without the crippling guilt that comes with repeatedly slapping a cube of meat against a wall. Bonus points for the bleak graphics and cool retro soundtrack. Fix yourself a portobello steak and enjoy!
3. N++ (2015)
This is the third installment of the N franchise wherein you control an anonymous stick figure who, to our knowledge, was not raised in a suffocating and torturous factory farm, in a basic but addictively fun romp through myriad levels of increasing difficulty. It’s nothing new, but who cares? We guarantee you’ll be able to sink countless hours into this effort without even the slightest concern about the ethics of your purchase.
4. TowerFall (2013)
The second product on this list from acclaimed developer Maddy Thorson, TowerFall’s archery focus makes it a bit of a derivation from the other games we’ve mentioned, but you know what? We‘re absolutely fine with that. It’s fun as hell, and you get to hit human beings, who are the sole species responsible for the subjugation and murder of animals for food, with arrows. That’s good enough in our opinion, and we hope you feel the same way.
5. Dustforce (2012)
Hell yeah! Dustforce has you controlling a janitor who’s trying to clean all the dust from the world with nothing but a broom and a whole arsenal of classic platform moves, including the always useful double-jump. We’re pretty sure those brooms are made of polypropylene, so don’t worry about any potential horses that lost their hair to make them. What are you waiting for? Get to sweeping!
There you have it! Hopefully one of these certified meat-free romps was able to sate that familiar platforming itch we all get from time to time. Make sure you bring them up in conversation the next time one of your carnivore gaming buddies mentions how much they love Super Meat Boy, and let’s make the run ‘n jump community plant-friendly one gamer at a time!
